By JP Camille, Director
The annual PICYA Lipton Cup provides a rare opportunity for the yacht clubs around the bay to formally compete in the sport of yachting. For the fifth year running the format comprised of J/22 one design racing, using the charter boat fleet from St. Francis Yacht Club. The event is hosted by a different yacht club yearly with three individual competitions each taking place one day during a Friday- Sunday weekend in mid-June.
This year’s host, San Francisco Yacht Club, did not disappoint! Friday’s delivery race from the Cityfront to Knox in building wind was punctuated by two windward/leeward buoy races around Knox. The wind built to such a degree that per the StFYC fleet guidelines, the second race displayed a K-flag and no spinnakers could be flown. Team BYC unfortunately took a DNC in the third race on account of spinnaker related equipment issues which occurred during the first buoy race.
Saturday’s fleet racing allowed all nine participating clubs to compete in close quarters with umpires on the water for a full day of seven buoy races. Team BYC had a great time finishing as high as fourth in the hotly contested field. A quick readout from BYC skipper Hawkeye King: “It was a lovely day of sailing! Conditions ranged from 5-10 knots at the start to 17-20 knots at the end of seven races. We sailed competitively all day and made a few mistakes, but the fleet was strong and we came out eighth of nine for the day.”
Sunday started off with two buoy races at Knox punctuated by a delivery-race back to the San Francisco Cityfront in very challenging conditions with three knots flood and wind gusting up to 38 knots. BYC skipper Mary Garfein exclaimed: “In spite of it all, the crew remained in good spirit. And we all had a great time. The beer afterwards was all that much sweeter. We ended with two DFLs but no DNFs or DNSs! And a great big hug and thanks to my awesome crew on Sunday!”
Thanks to all crews who participated and members who supported the BYC Lipton Cup team!
What’s Next The BYC Lipton Cup organizers are looking for ideas and suggestions for improving involvement and exposure to the membership for future Lipton Cup events. If you are interested or have ideas, please email them to the BYC race committee at racing@berkeleyyc.org.
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